A collection of odds and end pieces that didn't make it onto their "Old Lions…" disc, this album is actually quite good. Every meal of leftovers should be this pleasing. There are a few tracks that seem to get a bit lost, and I personally am never all that crazy about an exclusively instrumental CD, but this one is quite entertaining. It will certainly serve as a solid fix for fans of the band while they are waiting for the next full release.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2004 Year Book Volume 1 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review

RevenantsA short cut, this is an ambient, effects-driven number.

Back To AbydosThe title track is a bit bluesy and rather atmospheric mellow guitar showcase. It is very cool. The ending segment is just a little "clunky", though.

Drama, Trauma and Awkward GraceThis one is more energetic and harder edged. It is a very strong rocker, and one of the highlights of the CD. It features some Eastern tinged musical modes, always a winner in my book.

Hope in Transition"Hope in Transition" is nearly another standout cut. Unfortunately it gets a bit noodly at times and seems to lose direction late.

Two Fools Left (Live Bass Solo) This is a very good bass solo. As a fellow bassist I can tell you that I normally don't enjoy a lot of bass solos as they are usually over the top and/or boring. In this instance we are given a tasteful and entertaining excursion.

Blues For Akhenaton Beginning as a mellow acoustic guitar solo, this eventually moves into an expansive and potent jam that makes this one of the most effective cuts on the CD.

Love From Nothing At All (Live) This rocker, a slow tempoed one, feels a bit like Hendrix at times. It's a satisfying, if not overly dynamic, piece.

Delta to Delta This one comes in funky and hard-edged with a killer retro sound. If the last piece felt a bit like Hendrix, this one has his sound all over it. It is another that moves into the realms of Eastern sounds, a mode that always works for this reviewer. This is one of the most dynamic cuts on show here.

Same Book/New Pages This is another smoking excursion.

Whirling Towards Shambalah Based thoroughly on Middle Eastern textures this is one of the most intriguing and prog oriented compositions on the album. It's also a definite high point. What a killer way to end the disc.